Balancing Blood Sugar and Cholesterol: An Ayurvedic Approach
•Posted on 22 October 2025
Why Are We Talking About This?
It's More Common Than You Think.
Let's face it - stress from our fast-paced lives, combined with our love for rich, delicious food, makes blood sugar and cholesterol imbalances alarmingly common. We're a nation battling rising rates of type 2 diabetes and heart disease, and it's time to take a proactive approach.
Maintaining healthy blood sugar and cholesterol levels is crucial for overall well-being. Imbalances in these areas can disrupt the delicate harmony of the doshas, leading to various health concerns.
Ayurveda offers a holistic approach to managing these levels naturally, focusing on diet, lifestyle, and herbal remedies.
Dietary Recommendations
Favour Whole Grains
Opt for whole grains like barley, quinoa, and millet, which are high in fibre and help regulate blood sugar.
Avoid refined grains and processed carbohydrates.
Increase Fibre Intake
Include plenty of fibre-rich foods like leafy greens, vegetables, and legumes. Fibre helps to slow down sugar absorption and lower cholesterol.
Healthy Fats
Incorporate healthy fats like ghee, olive oil, and nuts in moderation. These fats can help improve cholesterol levels.
Bitter and Astringent Tastes
Include bitter and astringent foods like bitter gourd, fenugreek, and turmeric. These tastes help to balance Kapha and Pitta.
Avoid Sugary and Oily Foods
Minimise consumption of sugary drinks, sweets, fried foods, and excessive dairy, as they can aggravate Kapha and Pitta.
Lifestyle Modifications
1. Regular Exercise
Engage in regular physical activity, such as yoga, walking, or swimming. Exercise helps to improve insulin sensitivity and lower cholesterol.
2. Manage Stress
Practice stress-reducing techniques like meditation, pranayama (breathing exercises), and yoga. Stress can affect blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
3. Maintain a Regular Routine
Establish a consistent daily routine, including regular meal times and sleep patterns. This helps to balance the doshas.
4. Adequate Sleep
Prioritise quality sleep, as sleep deprivation can disrupt blood sugar regulation and increase cholesterol.
Herbal Remedies
This powerful trio of Amalaki, Haritaki, and Bibhitaki helps to detoxify the body and improve digestion, supporting healthy blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
Helps to regulate blood sugar management, diabetes, sluggish lymphatic system
Supports healthy blood pressure, relieves impact of stress, promotes proper heart function
Turmeric (Curcuma longa)
Turmeric has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help regulate blood sugar and lower cholesterol.
Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum)
Fenugreek seeds help to improve insulin sensitivity and lower cholesterol.
Guggul is known for its cholesterol-lowering properties.
Neem (Azadirachta indica)
Neem helps to detoxify the blood and support healthy blood sugar levels.
Important Considerations
It is crucial to consult with an Ayurvedic practitioner or healthcare professional before incorporating herbal remedies into your routine, especially if you are taking medications.